2,600 Mile E-Trike: Repairing Bent Axle on Schwinn Meridian

[@wanted-33]

I know this is a very old post, but it is very helpful for me. I just bought my wife a 3 wheeler, and needed to see the bearings on the back axle as it has one that's popping a bit. I know these Wal-Mart bikes have very little grease on any of the bearings, so I'll just do it myself. Thanks Rinoa.

[@RinoaL]

my axle ended up snapping at 3,000 miles and the wheel fell off btw

[@wanted-33]

@@RinoaL 3K isn't bad. I'm fairly sure the wife's won't see that much usage. But, it does need more lube. Again, thanks for the video. I know what to look for now.

[@Cor_onus]

I just got one of these guys, and have just run into this knocking as well. Thank you for the teardown, it makes it easier for when i do it.

[@larrytaylor7369]

The best way to visualize how bent the axle is by using the pool stick method, just roll it on a completely flat surface and you'll be able to see the bow easily.

[@kcher]

I really enjoy your videos. I especially love your trouble shooting, break down type features. Although, your "Random Bits" segments are entertaing as well. Thanks for sharing them.

[@carysparks6933]

I've owned two Schwinn meridians and both of them have a two-piece axle on them did you put the one piece on there

[@Deqster]

I haven't seen anyone say this, but I didn't look too long for previous comments on the matter. When you start breaking spokes, and I had this issue, sometimes the problem continues due to ductile deformation of the other spokes once one has broken. These cheaper wheels that come on a wal-mart special are mechanically tensioned, and sometimes the tension doesn't get evenly distributed amongst the spokes. The higher tension spokes then get cyclically (no pun intended) loaded while under a stress they weren't designed for, and cracks eventually form. This problem dominos as these initial spokes break, because now the tension each spoke must bear has increased, and there are fewer spokes to bear it. You then see the exact problem that you are dealing with. The solution isn't to rebuild the entire wheel, but to re-tension it. This means loosening up all of the nipples a bit, replacing your busted one (or 5 as it were), and then going through a hand-tensioning process to make sure all of the spokes get an even share of the total load.

[@RinoaL]

+dequinox thats what i did in this video

[@Deqster]

+Rinoa Super-Genius Ok, I didn't see you to a full re-tension in the video so I thought I would mention it. PS, are you still interested in acquiring laptop packs? If you'd like to see some samples of what's coming out of the boxes I got from our electronics recycler in Eugene, please check out my google doc here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UWqAZEsFGIPTHHS7XoKTmrnjDMSFjX76BYr8IdLLQr0/edit?usp=sharing ...and my endless-sphere sale thread is here: endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=70576

[@RinoaL]

dequinox i'm still on the fence about the scalability of 18650s, it takes a lot of time to use them. i may see about buying some large square packs.

[@Deqster]

+Rinoa Super-Genius I can understand that, 6 or 8 thousand cells is quite a lot. Tesla has done a lovely job of scaling them, but that is a huge amount of work in a DIY environment. I've seen some people on youtube building tesla-style packs, but its a ton of work.

[@mattjohnston5807]

I want to do the same to a meridian but was worried about the strength of the tricycle. I'm going to put cruiser wheels on it to help with the shock and make it more comfortable. Having the back pedal plus a front hub motor gives it all wheel drive though, which is awesome lol✌️

[@off2theright]

The Schwinn Meridian is a *peddle bike that had an electric motor added* to it. Cheep Chinese bicycle *ball bearin*, *light duty spokes*, and an *axle of low grade steel*. Additional stress to the drive train came with the battery power upgrade, cargo box and hooking on a trailer. You could go and put on roller bearings, get the axle heat treated ,and run motorcycle rims & tires. But then the frame or the chain and sprockets would fail. Time to move on to another type of transportation. Like maybe, a 1976 Citicar.

[@ericscott6682]

Sun trikes uses better "hollow hub" wheels. 3-pin drive on right rear. Hub flanges are gigantic, 4-5 times bigger in diameter than the Chinese hollow hubs. Order from walmart or Amazon. 24 inch steel rim instead of soft aluminum rim.

[@RealJonDoe]

Have you thought about moving to a larger gauge spoke? Seems like the wheel can hold them, but the ones on there are likely not intended for the level of weight you are giving it.

[@umajunkcollector]

Check all the chain links, a seized or sticky link can click when it goes over the smaller sprocket. So make sure each link moves easily. Chain lube may fix it. Don

[@richardprince5758]

Thanks for the "Show and Tell" I have the same Bike and like seeing any possible Problems that may arrive,I also made my trike "Electric"

[@AsgardStudios]

THanks so much for sharing this! I just got my trike and am sure your tips will come in handy

[@sulu758]

Rinoa -- I'm glad to see you making videos!

[@gustavofiorenza9652]

the tubes are spacers for the bearing preloading, you should check the inner bearings also.

[@richardprince5758]

you are very ingenious when it comes to finding ways to deal with a problem not having the correct tools,LOL

[@makokill1]

I love that old adjustable wrench

[@jameswhite7926]

I have the same trike. I also was breaking spokes Finally sure enough . Broke the axle doing about 40. Your bearings need to be replaced Then make sure not to over tighten your lock nuts

[@lnwolf41]

If the axle is bent, then it would move that metal tube inside, which is the ticking noise. Also I am thinking the speed at which you travel maybe the reason for the broken spokes. The bike was mainly set up for older people to travel around 7-10 mph, where as, you are going on average 25-35 mph over bumps and cracks, putting more stress on the rims, then add the weight of your box with all the sundries inside.

[@RinoaL]

+Duane C no my average speed is 17-22mph. and i slow down for large road deformations. and the box is only about 50lb at most, so thats nowhere near the trike's advertised 350lb handling limit.

[@jamie96129]

+Rinoa Super-Genius I have to agree with Duane C that your spokes are breaking because to the weight of the trike, you have no suspension and each bump and jolt goes into the vertical single spokes that are tighter then the rest. I have had this problem before, try lowering your tyer pressure just a bit so that it can act as a shock, your efficiency will go down a bit but it might be worth a try. My 2 cents

[@jamie96129]

+Fum3s Your trike may be rated at a static load of 350 pounds, but momentary jolts and bumps may exceed that limit every now and again popping a spoke in the process.

[@thormcgee968]

+Duane C You have valid points that contributed to the original wheel failures. The way he re laces his broken spokes is pretty much like a fisherman trying to be a doctor. He wouldn't have nearly as much trouble if he purchased a high quality rim, spokes and properly laced it up. "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein

[@thormcgee968]

+Fum3s He should drill his hub and rims out for thicker gauge spokes if he plans to continue using his trike as a Ferrari. At the very least purchase higher quality parts and lace them properly.

[@fergusonhr]

Brilliant job useing the jack and rope...I liked that a lot

[@ericscott6682]

To carry more Crap around than you carry on your trike: custom-built trailer hitch from flat steel stock. Kinda like "h" shaped. Used 4x threaded "U" bolts & 8x matching holes drilled thru legs of steel"h". Remove rear basket, U-bolt steel trailer hitch to frame tubes & re-install basket. Now drill appropriate sized hole on "top" part of steel "h" to match hole in your $99 walmart garden trailer. Drop in hitch-pin of garden and fasten correctly: and away you go!

[@TheRealSasquatch]

I'd suggest packing the axle tubes with grease (possibly drilling/tapping and fitting grease nipples for easy filling) and doing a full wheel rebuild using stainless spokes and a spoke tension gauge to correctly set them. You definitely need new tyres if only from a safety perspective.

[@jameschuke4104]

No the grease will blow out the dust seals leave it be don't reinvent the wheel

[@themickey3838]

Also a bent axle will screw up the rims and tire as they are not running true, it puts uneven pressure on an aluminum hub guess what happens when that happens,,,, you guessed it spokes start popping out, Take care man thanks for the vid again

[@Saucymantana]

you have to tighten the bolts up that hold the axle in there and the clacking will stop that's what I had to do to mine for the clacking too stop

[@user619tlsdca5]

The right axil is very warped. Trikes need a REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM as the center of gravity is the rear of all the weight force constantly on that area, especially going over uneven terrain as this here likely the case. Great video to know what to expect and try to avoid those uneven terrain or remind myself to slow down over them. But yeah, Im sure the most practical Trike or just every Trike needs a rear suspension system like rear racket steering as another option.

[@RinoaL]

actually it was the turns not the weight

[@fergusonhr]

You need to make all of the spokes even then adjust them...I know it sounds hard but that is why they are breaking...I am a bicycle mechanic so ive seen this a lot...the spokes that are tight are breaking because they are taking on all of the load...just tighten them so there is minimal flex on all spokes, then true the wheel by loosening half turn and tightening a half turn the spokes that are side by side but go to opposite sides of the hub...that is the only way to stop breaking them...I wish I could do it for you...that is one of my professions...good luck, I know you can do it

[@RinoaL]

+Gary Ferguson Jr thats what i did in this video

[@philliplanfre347]

Easy to use and clean. Very convenient.

[@hitmanmb]

switch to spokes for a tandem bike. it may be a weight issue.

[@PaulOvery001]

Yes, agree with Duane C. Does sound like the axle rubbing on that centre tube? Grease the whole axle! To stop spokes breaking, how about parking the bike with a wooden block under the frame keeping the wheels off the ground.

[@GLadislav23]

hahaha your wheel expanding made my day hahahah

[@dquad]

I still reckon you should put springs between the battery/tool box and the bike frame, that unsprung weight will be putting a huge load on the axle and spokes when you go over bumps.

[@Justforfun-uq3ro]

thanks for the video it helps me how to change the bearings right side of my tribike

[@Leo-iq1le]

Good stuff Rhinoa.

[@ericscott5800]

Is the rear bolt-on trike frame also Aluminum? Kent Monterey Aluminum trike is all Aluminum except fork is steel. But frame is all one piece only. Cannot unbolt and convert 2 wheel to trike. But after Christmas Walmart sells Kent, aluminum, Monterey 7speeds for only $195 free shipping to Walmart store and free complementary assembly if store sells bikes and therefore has a bike mechanic on staff.

[@lewisdoherty7621]

Spin the back wheels while you have something measuring slightly inside the metal rim, not the outside of the rubber tire. I would think that since tires are flexible, they might tend to partially mask rim defects. I think there is a rim problem. Also look at the wear pattern on the bottom of the tire. The wear pattern should be in the middle. If it drifts from one side to the other, then you should tighten and loosen the spokes in the opposite pattern of the wear.

[@RinoaL]

+Lewis Doherty yeah i'm thinking i'll just redesign this to use regular rear bike rims, and not use these past that.

[@ericscott6682]

Maybe some of the troubles are because your drive side rear "hollow hub" wheel has NO bearings! Sun Trikes rear "hollow hubs" have huge hub flanges, driven by 3x pins from axle. All Sun Trike hollow hubs have 3x pin holes on both sides of hub flanges AND all Sun Trike hollow hubs have bearings. All Sun Trike hollow hubs can be both driven or used as left side "idler" wheels. Bought Sun Trike rear axle from Amazon about $50. You might be able to weld up a 3x pinned flange on Schwinn axle or replace with Sun Trike axle. Built-up, 24inch Sun Trike wheels with bearings sold by Amazon & walmart on line. About $50 per wheel shipped. Steel rims maybe stronger/better wearing than softer aluminum rims?

[@theDaftman]

Like you have been advised before there is just too much weight on the back axle that’s why you are getting the creaking from the wheel bearings only solution is replacement. Test this by propping the back axle so wheel can run free as in one of your other videos, see no creaking. You do need to change you wooden box, replace with fibreglass one something with your skills could easily build. One other thing you maybe applying to much torque in one hit, (build power up much slower). What is happening is there so much torque going to the wheel it’s stressing it to the point it’s snapping the spokes and leading to an oval wheel. You may find its one side more than the other if so that’s probably because the back axle only drives one of the two wheels, If so that will back up what im saying, as it will be the driven wheel that’s giving the most problems. In a nutshell you trying to force the hub of the wheel round faster than the rim can go given the load you are asking it to carrying resulting in spoke rim damage. Nice videos I watch them all. Thanks.

[@RinoaL]

+theDaftman too much weight? this trike is advertised for a 350lb person. i'm only 120lb and the box is like 40-50lb. the wheel bearings have creaked since i first got it. the wheels creak slightly even when lifted up, if you watch the video you may be able to hear that when i spin it.

[@theDaftman]

Well i understand what you are saying but I’ve seen this problem with car wheels creaking that is, the bearing looks good feel good under inspection but creaks change it stops, if you look very close at the bearing you will find a number from that you can trace replacements. I also found the exact problem on my recumbent bike some time back, replaced the outer bearing problem solved, I remember looking at the bearing I removed there was nothing wrong with it. Its tight no play no lugging. Also the shaft wear could be the problem but as I can’t inspect it myself it’s hard to say, but looking at the video the wheel hub is made up of 3 parts outer ring and inner ring for the spokes and shaft tube that are welded to form one part. If that weld has broken, meaning only the outer ring and inner ring are being driven by the shaft that would cores the wear on the shaft like you have. It would also explain the spoke breaking because of the shaft wear the inner and outer spoke ring maybe being rotated at slightly different times, that would also account for the clicking/knocking sound could also be the creaking sound. Without seeing it one can only go on you videos. Thanks hope you sort it.

[@theDaftman]

Please see this forum looks like quite a lot of users of your type of bike having problems with what I’ve explained regarding where its welded on the drive wheel. www.fixya.com/support/t16300046-broken_wheel

[@morrisw7227]

@@RinoaL China crap??

[@ronb5781]

Looks like a success !! Thanks for sharing. !

[@LT1HILLINGHOE]

It's a Pacific trike from WalMart. Not much can be expected. I bought one, returned it because it was cheaply made and the axle gear started failing immediately. Do yourself a favor...get a Miami Sun with either a 3 or 5 speed internal hub. It is very well made and the aftermarket parts are plentiful. Only drawback is a Miami Sun is either a 20 or 24 inch. But, you can convert the front to 26" with ease. Just food for thought.

[@RinoaL]

+LT1HILLINGHOE not its a Schwinn not a Pacific

[@LT1HILLINGHOE]

Rinoa Super-Genius Schwinn is made by Pacific, out of California. Schwinn hasn't been a Schwinn since the 80's. They went bankrupt and were bought out by Pacific, but Pacific still uses the name, for obvious reasons. Ever since then Schwinn has been a pile of junk with cheap parts and very low quality. Not dissing your trike, but if you know a little about bikes, you would know what I am referring to. Talk to a bike shop and they will tell you. Good luck and I enjoy your videos.

[@RinoaL]

LT1HILLINGHOE well i just assume they have always been shit.

[@officialstagebikeshop6550]

I have a similar problem , I found the rear sprocket axle 1 teeth is bent.

[@robbonner]

I put this in the first video you had problems with spokes: Take the wheels off and get them trued. You will continue to break spokes unless you get them trued correctly. Still stands :)

[@RinoaL]

+rob bonner not worth the money, also i couldnt find any bike shop that would straighten my wheels for me. they just try to sell me new but wrong type of wheels. i still disagree with your statement, i believe what i'm doing is economical and logical. after all its only 20 cents per spoke.

[@robbonner]

the last wheel i got trued was 15 dollars. you will surpass that at some point :)

[@RinoaL]

rob bonner no i dont think if i had to get it straightened like every 2 months, that i would be paying less.

[@robbonner]

Rinoa Super-Genius i have 3000miles and my wheels are still true. just for reference.

[@fishlovr1]

I changed my rims out for mags. The bearings a Chinese so i changed them out to USA made bearings...I haven't had any problems since...

[@bobbo9549]

Thanks for Informative video, but you do need to treat your self to some decent spanner’s and a socket set 😊 When I saw the axle stands I thought that’s a bit over the top but they are well handy when adjusting the rear brake and gears so a good idea after all.

[@Blakehx]

Cool project thanks for sharing! You should be able to buy a replacement axle fairly cheaply! Also I'd recommend replacing the wheels! Especially if you can get your hands on some much stronger stainless or alloy ones!

[@kathyfrance2764]

Totally awesome purchase!

[@russbilzing5348]

It might help to see if your axle housing is at a 90* angle to the rest of the frame. Just a thought...

[@andreistirbu2733]

Thank you a lot, needed this info bdly

[@raymondbucher49]

i appreciate this video dealing with the bearings..I wish i could see more three wheel mechanic fix it's...I have a 1974 sears robuck "Ted williams"...It was a 5 speed when i got it a few months ago one gear crank at 45 tooth......But 5 speed is not enough and ithere is not enough room to change the freewheel to bigger gears..So I solved it temperary with a 52 crank tooth...I am still fine tuning it...The pedal does get in the way they are..But not bad...they are 165 mm crank armthey should be 155 crank arm ...

[@zoidberg444]

I think some of the wheel issues are related to the weight from the trunk being loaded on the wheels as well as the speed that all that weight is going over bumps. You could do with some stronger wheels. I also think you need trunk v2.0 which should be lighter.

[@earthspirit8286]

What electric motor set up are you using and where do I find it at , we recently bought this exact three wheel bike, thank you for the video

[@RinoaL]

Back then I went with the cheapest 48v 1000w front hub motor I could find on ebay.

[@donalddobbs6962]

I have the same trike only not a etrike have the same noise now I know how it comes apart thanks

[@bwack]

Probably just bad quality spokes. Seems to be breaking where the spokes have a bend at the hub end, right? Probably a weekness at the bend. Did I hear correctly in an earlier video that you have 60 PSI on the tire ? Try 40PSI and see if it helps. Might help dampen the pounding on the spokes. (At 55PSI I feel every single gravel rock on the butt, and at low PSI it's smooth.)

[@RinoaL]

+bwack lower PSI is a good idea, thanks. the main reason i dont like lower PSI is because then my watts per mile goes up.

[@meagain2222]

yes hard tires increase impact loading.A one hundred pound sledge hammer will break spokes.

[@themickey3838]

I love this guy..... i love him lol... 4 ton jack stands for a tricycle, and lifts it with a floor jack OMG too funny. For the record the axles themselves suck, they are 14.7 mm China crap and they dont last for nothing. Really wanna make it tougher the OD of the wheel and the OD of the trike rear are the same ditch the China crap and put some 5/8 bearings and shaft in there last you a lot longer. you can use a hand file and bore out the spocket so it fits the 5/8 Just dont take your bearings out with a flat head screwdriver OMG again too funny. Dude really liked the video gave it a total thumbs up cause you are trying so props to you all the way just got a kick out of the lift and hold overkill but hey i bet you it wont fall on you ever lol. Not sure about the front end where the hub motor is mignt need a cherry picker to lift that sucker lmao...Thank you you made my day

[@marcopolo5334]

The popping sound in the rear sounds seams like that could be more of an issue I'm getting ready to put a 6.5hp motor on mine & am concerned as my Schwinn meridian makes the same sound Wondering how many meridian owners have this same issue

[@cwmaxfield2000]

Have you considered Mag Wheels

[@smallenginedude71]

it seemed like you made the axle a bit straighter. 2600 miles is a very long way it seems like its held up quite well.

[@dzodaj]

I know that this was long ago, but the wheel problem was too much weight to the front, so the one that are pointed to the back are stretching and braking. maybe batteries should go to the rear of the box, behind the axle. This wheels are weak any way. And sound was probably from that inner tubes.

[@tiwaztyr4324]

Perhaps the contents of the chest is producing the effect on the tire? Is the ground sloped where the bike is kept; even the slightest, where one tire would receive more load than the other?

[@RinoaL]

+Tiwaz Tyr well the bicycle lane is always near the edge of the road, so it tends to be slanted. that may cause issues.

[@RAMT3K]

If I had that problem I would modify the trike so that it can fit 2 rear electric wheel for twice the torque . That's what I did for my mountain bike

[@fergusonhr]

Maybe that noise is the tube that is between the bearings inside the frame axle housing

[@RinoaL]

+Gary Ferguson Jr yeah it may be

[@redrocker1055]

I bought my mom one of these a few years ago. I was so disappointed with the quality, especially the rims. I sent it back 'cos it actually came with a bent axle. I found her an old Sears 5-speed trike that is built like a tank for a fraction of the money. If I were you I wouldn't even be messing with these rims. Just keep the hub an buy some good quality rims.

[@painisvergina3693]

How the heck did your tire come off that easy, mine won’t come off at all

[@AnsweringAtheism]

A bearing is missing one or more balls. You'll notice a clunk per rev but only under load. Replace the bearing with quality sealed bearing like 6003-2RS sealed bearing. I got 4 of them from amazon for 2 bucks each.

[@RinoaL]

clunk turned out to be a slowly cracking axle. snapped at 3,000 miles.

[@1981dasimpson]

i think the clicking is the chain as it rides other the teeth the inner tube was to guide the axle

[@GianfrancoFronzi]

The trike is a difficult assembly . If the rear wheels aren't free of each other in a turn you will get the problems you are having . When turning right the left wheel is taking more of a radius than the right which should almost stop . You'll get all kinds of problems like more tire wear and spoke problems . But if it's what you like it's still going to go for awhile before total destruction . which i see that Rhinoa had in another video .

[@justinwoosley3188]

What is that thing that tracks the miles you have done that's pretty cool

[@RinoaL]

+Justin Woosley bicycle computer, cost me like 5$

[@justinwoosley3188]

+Rinoa Super-Genius thanks

[@meagain2222]

Its a small digital speedometer which also keeps track of total millage. It gets its signal from a small magnet attached to a moving spoke of the wheel very cheap from China on Ebay.

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

Is that thing heavy enough to require the use of a hydraylic jack? My buddies E-trike uses Lead acid batteries and when I work on it I just pick it up and slide a box underneath it.

[@RinoaL]

+POVadventure its just a lot easier than me picking it up, because if i'm picking it up i dont have two hands free to prop it up then.

[@egor102]

Idk if it matters after all this time but did you take in the weight capacity of the meridian when you did all the mods. I believe 350lbs is where you start getting clicking noises depending on the weight your box and what have you inside plus your weight could have been the issue for all the breakage and crash.

[@RinoaL]

yeh i didnt put more than 160lb total, and that counts me.

[@egor102]

@@RinoaL There goes that theory...lol I know this noise as just riding mine sometimes gives those noises. I worried about my axle after seeing your vid.

[@RinoaL]

turns out my axle had a defect and snapped later on

[@egor102]

@@RinoaL That relieves my worry somewhat but I will continue to keep an eye out for things. With my luck my axle came from the same batch yours did lol.

[@gristlevonraben]

Pretty cool bike. That axle may not be the problem, but it sure was flexible, wow. Hey, I like the smell of certain greases too. It always reminds me of my grandfather's shop. I saw a youtube video where they used an electric screwdriver to power the front wheel. It was a cordless drill/screwdriver. I wonder if you are considering doing that to the back wheels?

[@dusan7777]

+Gristle Von Raben I don't think he ever mentioned it..

[@gristlevonraben]

Dusan Markovic Dusan, would you ever think of building one? I find it fascinating.

[@dusan7777]

No, man, I'm a coplete noob when it comes to stuff Rinoa is doing and because of that I find his channelc magical :))

[@gristlevonraben]

Cool.

[@randythomas5475]

On your schwinn what size is your bottom bracket 73-100mm or larger like 120mm??? I am going to order a mid mount bbshd so I need to know this answer, thanks

[@SonnetGomes]

Hi Rinoa...how is the fork performing hauling so much load? You dont seem to use any Torque arms, but I am surprised it held of after so many miles. Have you ever inspected the front fork for bent dropouts and such?

[@RinoaL]

+Sonnet Gomes theres actually not that much weight on the front wheel, i was going to add a torque arm but the shaft has rotated on the fork in months so i'll leave it be.

[@SonnetGomes]

+Rinoa Super-Genius yeah...if it ain't broke, no need to fix it, but I am stunned at how much load the front fork is hauling without the axle ever slipping. The fork steel must be of good quality. It is true, there isn't a whole lot of weight on the front wheel, but the front wheel does the actual work providing torque and traction. I am surprised, the spokes aren't snapping on the front, but it may be because the spokes are of heavier gauge on the front wheel. You should probably replace the rear spokes with a 13 or 14 gauge spokes. Hopefully, you wont have to replace the whole rim if you wanted to switch to a thicker spoke. Any idea of how much your tricycle weighs?

[@jesusnavarro5326]

i just got mine will see how it goes

[@a1930ford]

Just a tip for the future when removing this axle, never beat the threaded end with a (BFH) hammer, as you can very easily ruin the threads. Screw on a nut and run it down until the end of the threaded axle is even with the top of the nut and then hit the nut like that. It will save a lot of cussing and needed work once you ruin threads with a hammer. I enjoyed the video, but I am doing up a Royal London trike and hoping to install a 4 cycle motor. Not a friction-drive unit though and not an electric. Waiting on parts at present though. Do you know what the axle size is in diameter? I have seen one video where someone actually added a shim to make the free wheel lock in place and not spin as it normally does with positracton. I need to review all the trike videos I have to see who did that and how difficult it was. Did you get a matching bearing to replace the originals with?

[@panzerwolf494]

The standard seems to be 15mm axle for the ones that use the squared off drive side like the Schwinn does. My Cliensy takes the same. Posi sounds good, but you're gonna eat through tires because while the outside wheel in a turn will roll fine, the inside wheel is forced to spin and as a result rub the tire against the pavement. Mine originally had a gas engine, but the setup was just such a pain to keep running and the gas tank made it really cramped. I love it since I went electric. Was even thinking of doing a second and use a mid drive motor so I can have a drifter when it snows

[@davelowe1977]

is that rear axle fixed to both wheels? It's a poor design if that's the case. There will be no provision for differential rotation so every corner will be applying a torsion to the spokes. That being the case, it's no wonder they are breaking and you are getting a knocking sound. ..

[@RinoaL]

+David Lowe no only one, and its still a poor design

[@meagain2222]

No one free wheels and the other is drive wheel.

[@mickeyleon5876]

How did you get both wheels to spin?

[@brianpartlow5530]

Right! Mine is a 1 wheel drive

[@bknesheim]

Over tension the spokes WILL make them snap quicly.

[@bullseye9899]

you need to upgrade your running gear.. your bearings, spokes, wheels, etc. are made to be pedaled around at 10 MPH not motorized and driven 2600 miles at 25 MPH. Better bearings and thicker spokes will help mitigate some of the problems but bottom line you are using a bicycle for a purpose that it wasn't made for. Nice conversion keep up the good work.

[@samblanco5434]

What kind of knot did you use ? I need to bend my axle back too but its bent near the tire right where it is beveled

[@theDaftman]

On your wheel you removed in this video it looked like the inside of the hub was starting to come apart. Just give it another closer examination. If so that would explain the wear on the shaft and the knocking and spoke damage. The clunking\knocking is coming from the shaft that you point out in the video. Before anyone jumps in on my last message I know his motor is only on the front wheel. Thanks

[@battonfive]

not bad at all after that mileage, and yeah totally agree I would be well happy with that, a small clickling like that is no big deal, I thought it was the chain skipping a link or something but for the further debugging time I would say whatever to :-) Served you well so far, look forward to comparing it again after another 2500-5000 miles :-)

[@JeremyLevey]

Try twisting your spokes just get longer spokes and twist two of them together it makes them stronger

[@Sokx41]

How old is your trike? I wonder if its age may be contributing to your problem. Also, I notice your secondary chain appears rather loose; isn't it supposed to be taut?

[@RinoaL]

it was 1 year old

[@GorgeyWoofy-jb3ip]

U should always put the nut back on the thread when your knocking the axle out otherwise U will damage your thread

[@dudefranco225]

I'd say if it breaks in the future or something like that, maybe look for better built trikes.

[@RinoaL]

+jake ligouri no id just build one myself, or build an electric car.

[@shadywalker2159]

Was not too long until it did snap, or was that the other axle?

[@yoyothepitbull6124]

I have a problems whit the left side wheel bearing (not the drive wheel) do you know the bearing size?

[@w_swim]

How the heck do you take the plastic cap on the wheel off??

[@RinoaL]

I seem to recall it just pops off

[@w_swim]

@@RinoaL thank you, but just this morning the pedal broke off the leg and it’s stripped at the bearing. You ever have to repair such an issue? The damn foot peg won’t go back on the leg now.

[@RinoaL]

Hrmm, that sounds like it'd need some metalworking skills. I haven't had that specific issue ever.

[@latasha66]

It looks like you have the same throttle / battery level indicator I picked up on Ebay for a bike retrofit. Does your battery level indicator near the throttle drop down to the lowest LED when you accelerate?

[@RinoaL]

+latasha66 not any more no, when i had a smaller battery pack it did though.

[@hankus253]

The rim of the tire should intersect the hub of the wheel exactly in the middle. You need to true the wheels.

[@LonnieDubose-tj6ne]

How to remove the axle from a Shimano three wheel trike

[@edwardvasquez218]

GO GET U A NEW ONE !! LIKE YOUR WRENCHES. THEY PROBABLY 300 YEARS OLD. GOOD LUCK.

[@tailguner]

The noise you are hearing is your chain. If the 2 sprockets are not perfectly aligned you will hear that noise.

[@RinoaL]

+tailguner well then it wouldnt happen every rotation, and it wouldnt happen when i remove the chain. so no its not the chain.

[@tailguner]

That would be true.

[@z1nyc]

Breaking spokes: LACK OF TENSION. Find a wheelbuilder who knows what they're doing to tension the wheel properly.

[@samtully9212]

I have a grinding kind of sound coming off the drive where and I'm thinking it might be the bearings. what do te soud like when the go?

[@gabrielperessini7169]

I cant find the kit on xcceries's Ebay store. Can you put a link to it in the response to this comment please?

[@josephbrown3456]

You sound just like David Spade lol, but thankyou for the info breakdown much appreciated.

[@meagain2222]

First I must say what a pleasure to see a chick being so mechanically skilled. The genius of using your floor jack to bend the axle is super great. I have the grating sound too.I think it might be that spacing tube which has to support the bearings from the inside.Follow this link and pictures. www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R9Y0UFANFACS8/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B000IORU06 The broken spokes are probably from too tight tension and then going over a hole or rock which pounds hard enough to break the spoke. Keep replacing them as needed.Not too tight.The bike is literally hanging from the top most spokes as it rotates.

[@nuclearthreat545]

maybe you just put too much weight on the back in that wooden crate

[@RinoaL]

+nuclearthreat545 no in order to bend the axle back i had to bend it further than the width of the pipe it runs through, also this started like as soon as i got the trike.

[@legomaniac225]

+nuclearthreat545 it would be cool to see a plastic or metal battery housing. It would certainly be lighter than wood and might help decrease wear and tear and increase range.

[@RinoaL]

TheNamelessThey idk, wood is pretty light, this box is only like 20lb.

[@legomaniac225]

20 lbs of wood vs 5 lbs of plastic, plus wood's weight can fluctuate with humidity. And personally I think a smooth plastic box looks a lot more polished/refined than a wooden one. Your trike, your choice though, cheers :)

[@FordExplorer420]

+nuclearthreat545 too much weight !!!!!!!!!!

[@EEE-iw3fk]

I carry 30 pounds in the saddle bags of my ebike. I weigh about 120 and my rim and spokes are thinner than yours. I never true the wheel and I never had one broken spoke. I had one tire explosion once when I hit bump. note that I only have one back wheel and it's a Chinese bike.

[@roncooke2188]

I have a similar problem i must investigate a knocking noise. may be axle on my Jorvik trike

[@joseparadis]

What kind of electric motor do you have on your front wheel, 500W, 36 V ? What's your top speed?

[@RinoaL]

+joseparadis 1000w 48v. top speed on this trike was about 28mph

[@robnnorthaustin]

I know you don't believe it but I have had these exact problems in the past and it is too much weight for the wheels and axle. The wheel is getting out of round because of riding with missing spokes. You will keep having this same issue I'm afraid. I went with a smaller aftermarket trunk. I would imagine the plastic and aluminum trunks are all lighter then your awesome wood box. .